New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-04-28
Mr.. LAMARS ADDRESS.

The cxigencics of memorial address rarely
favor historical accuracy But Mr. Lamar.
in his grafton on Calhoun had a rare oppor-
tunity to reconcile the unyielding events of
history with the high regard cherished at the
South for the memory of the apostle of nulif
cation. Under the plastic hand of the orator.
the history of national development is so
icshaped that the slow growth of the national
unity appears to be in defiance Of its Con-
stitution that notification appears cOnsti-
tutional remedy with its rghtful place ain
the politics Of the land until Swept out Of
existence by civil war. and the unity and
sovereignty of the National Government arc
made to seem, not the desired fruit of wise
measures by the trainers Of the Constitution,
but the casual result of the Louisiana purchase.
the admission Of new States, and the unequal
growth of different sections. SO Mr.. Calhoun
is represented as the loyal and heroic defender
of constitutional principle, which, though
unlawfully overthrownby theforce Of events and
of war, was nevertheless the fundamental
doctrine on which the union of States was
established.
This is oratory, but it is not history The
union Of States existed before the Constitution
was formed. The oneness and the sovereignty
Of the Nation were recognized by the Declare
ton, when it said, ain the course of human
events it becomes necessary for one people to
dissolve" and by the Constitution itself. which
confessed its purpose TO form "a more perfect
union.' AS one nation, the Colonies resisted
British oppression as ono nation they achieved
their independence as one nation in fact, and
therefore dissatisfied with the articles of confed-
- 4
teen independent States, tho people framed and
adopted Federal Constitution. In every
line, that instrument spoke the purpose of its
trainers and Of the people to establish one
| sovereign indissoluble government. But for
that ruling purpose the purchase of the Louisi-
ana territory would have been unconstitutional.
But for that ruling purpose new States could
never have been consttutonally admitted.
| except by unanimous consent But for that
all -pervading and all mastering purpose the
Executive would never have been clothed with
power to enforce the law. to hang Mr. Calhoun
as nullfcr, or to call out troops to put down
the Rebellion which Mr.. Lamar did much to
instgate. History brings into the light the
personal and selfish motives which Mr.. Lamar
lightly passes. 1t discloses Mr. Calhouns
euarrcls and his personal ambition, which used
free trade as an instrument, and handled null
ilication as tho defeated strikers of to-day
handle dynamite. 1t discloses the rule or ruin
| spirit Of tho slaveholding oligarchy, the dis
honest pretexts by which they swept the South
ern people into disloyalty, the violation of
oaths and of law by which the Rebellion gained
FORM and the cruelties by which it struggled
savagely for success. A new generation has
c;- loe{ hob
fred, and it will not do to have the history Of
the Nation so distorted for them that nullificrs
or rebels shall seem TO be patriots.
Mr.. Lamar Is more adroit but less truthful
In treating of the Civil Service. 1t will perhaps
recommend the reform Of that service to be
reminded that Mr. Calhoun, In his war with
the Administration then in power. assailed
the practice 50 greatly extended. II not for